In the world of sports, few athletes have managed to achieve perfection, but Mondo Duplantis came close in 2025. The pole vault superstar broke the world record four times, retained his world indoor and outdoor titles, and won all 16 competitions he entered. To top it off, he was voted World Athletics' male athlete of the year and named the BBC's overseas personality of the year. When asked about his remarkable season, Duplantis humbly stated, "There's not necessarily such a thing as a perfect season... But that's as perfect as it can get."
Sporting dominance can often become dull and sterile, as seen in the cases of tiki-taka-era Spain or Mercedes-era Lewis Hamilton. However, Duplantis continues to mesmerize audiences with his death-defying stunts, leaving them wondering how he can clear bars that are almost as high as an average British house. His unique blend of athleticism and showmanship has made him track and field's greatest magic trick, with the ability to steal the scene on special occasions.
One such occasion was at the Paris Olympics, where Duplantis broke his own world record and then passionately kissed his fiancée, Desiré Inglander, on the track. The moment was captured by cameras and went viral, catapulting Duplantis to global celebrity status. When asked about the impact of that moment, he replied,
"It's night and day... I feel like there are so many people that know me without even knowing me, which is very weird."Despite the increased recognition, Duplantis insists that the celebration was completely spontaneous, fueled by adrenaline and unbridled joy.
Duplantis's success can be attributed to his innovative approach to the sport, including his use of a super speedy and grippy shoe called "the Claw." This shoe, with a spike protruding from the front, has helped him break the world record on multiple occasions. He believes that a faster version of the shoe, currently in development, can help him clear even greater heights, potentially exceeding 6.40m. As he explained, "It's simple physics... Energy in and energy out. If you can put more energy in and you're faster, then you create more energy to get it out."
Duplantis's approach to training is also noteworthy, relying on his friend and 400m hurdles world record-holder, Karsten Warholm, and his coach, Leif Olav Alnes, to test and develop new equipment. He humorously referred to them as "crazy science maniacs," who conduct rigorous testing in locations like Vietnam. While Duplantis may not be analytical himself, he trusts the expertise of his team and believes that their findings will help him stay ahead of the competition.
At just 26 years old, Duplantis has already earned 14 world records and is likely to add many more to his tally. He may also win additional Olympic titles, potentially by the age of 33. When asked if he fears running out of challenges, Duplantis shook his head, saying,
"Oh, I will have everything to conquer... You still have to have a life and some ambition. And I will push myself to be productive and find some new goals."With his talent, dedication, and innovative approach, it's likely that Duplantis will continue to dominate the world of pole vaulting for years to come.
Some of Duplantis's notable achievements in 2025 include:
As the sports world looks to the future, one thing is certain – Mondo Duplantis will be a force to be reckoned with, pushing the boundaries of human athleticism and captivating audiences with his incredible talent and charisma.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
